The CDC is trying to sell a “high-dose” flu vaccine to seniors, but they have no idea if it works

The flu shot can’t leap buildings in a single bound. But that won’t stop the government from trying to convince you it’s Superman.

The CDC is already preparing a mad rush of sales pitches for the coming flu season. So if you’re 65 or older, brace yourself for the Fluzone High-Dose sales blitz.

That’s right. It’s just for seniors. It’s a special flu shot with FOUR TIMES the potency of a normal flu shot.

On a Q&A page about Fluzone High-Dose, the CDC poses this question: “Why is a higher dose vaccine available for adults 65 and older?”

Their answer: “A higher dose of antigen in the vaccine is supposed to give older people a better immune response and therefore better protection against flu.”

“Supposed to”? It’s laughably obvious they have no idea what this vaccine will actually do. So all they can say is what it’s “supposed” to do.

In another Q&A, they actually admit… “Whether or not the improved immune response leads to greater protection against influenza disease after vaccination is not yet known.”

So basically they’re saying, “We have no idea if it works, but we recommend it to every senior anyway.”

And finally: “Is Fluzone High-Dose safe?”

They answer that the “safety profile” is similar to that of regular flu vaccines. BUT… In a clinical trial, adverse effects were reported more frequently.

In other words, yes, it’s just as safe as the regular flu shot. Except…it’s not.

Great…Where do I sign up?

Sources:
“Research suggests flu vaccine doesn’t prevent deaths among the elderly” Lorna Benson, Minnesota Public Radio, 4/27/10, minnesota.publicradio.org

“Fluzone High–Dose Seasonal Influenza Vaccine” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov